England and Italy face off in the Euro 2020 final, and most will agree that the two are the best sides in the tournament. Neither team has lost a match on their road to the final and has been strong at the back.
The Italians have conceded just thrice, while England has been even better defensively, conceding just one goal in the entire tournament, which came in the semi-final against Denmark.
Which players will be key for their team and turn the tide in their side’s favour? Let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for in the game against Italy and England.
Euro 2020 final: 5 players to watch out for
#1 Marco Verratti – Italy
Marco Verratti has been a key figure in the Italian midfield at Euro 2020 with his aggression, passing, and work-rate. Verratti missed the first two matches of the tournament through injury, but settled in quickly and made a difference to the Italian midfield almost immediately.
🏆 1 DAY TO GO! 🏆
The #EURO2020 final is almost upon us 🤩 pic.twitter.com/9ghsA2mvF4
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 10, 2021
The final could be won or lost in midfield with strong midfielders in both team. Verratti, with his experience, dribbling, and passing, could swing the tie Italy’s way if he gets hold of the ball for long periods of time.
#2 Raheem Sterling – England
Raheem Sterling has been England’s best player in the tournament despite heading into Euro 2020 after an average season with Manchester City. Sterling’s direct dribbling and pace has caused trouble to opposition defences, while he has also been clinical in front of goal.
The 26-year-old has scored three goals and set up one, and has been the focal point of the English attack. He had a part to play in both goals in the semi-final, and against a defence with not a lot of pace, he could prove to be deadly.
#3 Jorginho – Italy
Italy’s midfield has been very strong at Euro 2020, in both attack and defence. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho was the name on everyone’s lips following Italy’s win against Spain as he scored the decisive penalty with his trademark calmness.
🇮🇹 Final preparations for Italy 💪#EURO2020 | #ITA pic.twitter.com/tvNiWf126z
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 10, 2021
The 29-year-old has played more minutes than any other outfield player in the Italian team, which proves just how important he is to Roberto Mancini’s side. His composure, superb passing and control, as well as his ability to intercept passes in midfield will be vital for Italy on Sunday.
#4 Harry Maguire – England
England centre-back Harry Maguire missed the first two matches of Euro 2020 due to injury, but has played every minute since returning for the game against the Czech Republic. The Manchester United defender has been a leader at the back for the English, and his passing, aerial prowess, and ability to spot attacking threats has helped England dominate games.
Maguire will once again be crucial for England against a good finisher in Ciro Immobile and a very quick winger in Federico Chiesa.
#5 Federico Chiesa – Italy
Italy winger Federico Chiesa could very well be his team’s X factor thanks to his impressive dribbling and speed. Chiesa scored Italy’s only goal in the semi-final of the competition and was a threat whenever Italy drove forward.
Chiesa will have a tough opponent in England left-back Luke Shaw, who has also had a good Euro 2020. The Italian winger could be deadly in counter-attacking situations, while his strong running could also catch out Maguire, who isn’t very quick.